White Boy
Culture Club Lyrics


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Black boys employ Selassie
We kiss to define
White hands, white hearts
The gender
How can I make you mine

Take me to god
In a world of blank kisses
Who breaks the colors
I know what this is
A one man show
That's how we know
That's how we know
Your white does it show

Your white dance like an enemy
Your white dance like an enemy
Your white dance like an enemy, you

White boys fall out
In a whirl of decisions
Show me what is
Then show me what isn't
A heart too slow
That's how we know
That's how we know
Your white does the blood flow

Your white dance like an enemy
Your white dance like an enemy
Your white dance like an enemy

You're so white

White boy
White boy
White boy
White boy
White boy (ooh)
White boy
White boy

White boy dance
Do something sweet
Like pull my heart
Like use your feet
Like steal some culture
Let's fake this dance
A white boy kiss
A white boy chance
Don't take me over
Don't lose my heart
When I change color I'm here stop start

You're white
You're white
You're white
You're white
You're white
You're white
You're white
You're white
You're white, dance like an enemy
You're white, dance like an enemy
You're white, dance like an enemy
You're white, dance like an enemy
You're white, dance like an enemy
You're white, dance like an enemy
You're white, dance like an enemy
You're white, dance like an enemy
You're white, dance like an enemy
You're white, dance like an enemy
You're white, dance like an enemy
You're white, dance like an enemy
You're white, dance like an enemy
You're white, dance like an enemy




You're white, dance like an enemy
You're white, dance like an enemy

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Culture Club's "White Boy" speak to issues of race and cultural appropriation through the lens of a gay romantic relationship. The lines "Black boys employ Selassie" and "show me what is, then show me what isn't" suggest a desire for authenticity and realness in the face of appropriation and cultural hijacking. The refrain "Your white dance like an enemy" may refer to the way that white people have historically co-opted black musical styles without fully understanding or respecting their cultural context, resulting in a kind of antagonistic dance.


The lyrics also touch on issues of gender and power dynamics within a relationship. The line "White hands, white hearts, the gender / How can I make you mine" suggests a desire for a deeper understanding and connection between the singer and their romantic partner, but also highlights the challenges that arise when trying to navigate the complexities of race, gender, and power. The line "A one man show / That's how we know / Your white does it show" seems to imply that the singer is frustrated with their partner's inability to see beyond their own privilege and understand the experiences of those with different backgrounds and identities.


Overall, the lyrics of "White Boy" are a powerful critique of cultural appropriation and a call for greater understanding and empathy across lines of race, gender, and sexuality.


Line by Line Meaning

Black boys employ Selassie
Black boys embrace the Rastafarian deity, Haile Selassie, as their guiding light


We kiss to define
Our romantic interactions affirm our identity


White hands, white hearts
Being white defines our entire identity


The gender
Our identity is also defined by our gender


How can I make you mine
How can I make you understand and accept my identity?


Take me to god
In search of an ultimate truth or meaning


In a world of blank kisses
In a world where our interactions feel empty and meaningless


Who breaks the colors
Who is responsible for perpetuating racial divisions?


I know what this is
I understand the complexity of identity and cultural differences


A one man show
Our identities are independent, and it's up to each one of us to define ourselves


That's how we know
Our differences define us and set us apart from one another


Your white does it show
Your whiteness is obvious and cannot be ignored


Your white dance like an enemy
Your whiteness is a threat to me and my identity


White boys fall out
White boys struggle with their own identity


In a whirl of decisions
White boys are easily swayed by societal pressures


Show me what is
Teach me what it means to be white


Then show me what isn't
Teach me what it means to not be white


A heart too slow
White boys are not quick to adapt to change and new ideas


That's how we know
Our differences continue to set us apart and define us


Your white does the blood flow
Your whiteness is inherent and affects every aspect of you


Do something sweet
Do something that will make me feel good or understood


Like pull my heart
Make me fall in love with you


Like use your feet
Dance in a way that celebrates our differences and brings us closer together


Like steal some culture
Appreciate and learn from cultures that are different from your own


Let's fake this dance
Let's put aside our differences and dance together


A white boy kiss
A kiss that is informed and influenced by a white identity


A white boy chance
An opportunity for a white boy to learn and grow from someone who is different


Don't take me over
Don't try to control or overpower me


Don't lose my heart
Don't let your whiteness make it impossible for me to love or connect with you


When I change color I'm here stop start
When I embrace different aspects of my identity, it can be confusing and challenging for me and those around me




Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: G. O'DOWD, J. MOSS, M. CRAIG, R. HAY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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